AJ McCarron was named one of 15 finalists for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award on Thursday.

Oct. 11, 2012

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The Alabama football team practiced for 90 minutes in shells on Thursday inside the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility as they made final preparations for Saturday's SEC contest at Missouri.

The No. 1 Crimson Tide (5-0, 2-0) visits the Tigers (3-3, 0-3 SEC) at Faurot Field for the first time since 1978 and just the second time in school history.

The Alabama defense, which ranks first nationally in scoring defense, total defense and pass efficiency defense, will face a no-huddle offense for the second time in as many games.

"Once again we just have to adapt (to the no huddle offense)," Alabama defensive end Damion Square said. "No matter what they are trying to do, as a defense, our objective is to set the tone. If you can do that, then you can control the outcome of the game."

The game is being televised nationally on CBS and is slated to kickoff at 2:30 p.m. (CDT). Verne Lundquist and Gary Danielson will call the action with Tracy Wolfson reporting from the sidelines.

Alabama junior quarterback AJ McCarron was named a top-15 candidate for the 2012 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. Candidates completing their college eligibility or be a fourth-year junior on schedule to graduate with his class. The quarterbacks are judged on character, citizenship, scholastic achievement, leadership qualities and athletic accomplishments. Alabama quarterback Jay Barker won the award in 1994.

McCarron has tossed 12 touchdowns and no interceptions on 111 pass attempts in 2012 while completing 65.8 percent of his passes for 999 yards. He has not thrown a pick in 206 consecutive passes.

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